If you have a Zanzibar plant, you may have noticed small, white, waxy bumps called lerps on the leaves. These lerps are actually the protective coverings of tiny insects called psyllids, which feed on plant sap. While they don’t usually cause significant damage to the plant, they can be unsightly and make it difficult for the plant to photosynthesize properly. Here are some tips on how to get rid of lerps on your Zanzibar plant.
The first step in getting rid of lerps is to make sure that’s what you’re dealing with. Psyllids and their protective lerps can be mistaken for other pests or even fungal infections. Psyllids are tiny, winged insects that are usually only a few millimeters long. They feed on the sap of the plant and use the waxy lerp as a protective covering. If you see small white bumps on the leaves of your Zanzibar plant, it’s likely that you have psyllids.
One of the easiest ways to get rid of lerps is to remove the infected leaves from your Zanzibar plant. This will not only remove the psyllids but also any eggs or nymphs that may be hiding under the lerps. Be sure to dispose of the infected leaves in a sealed bag or container so that the psyllids don’t spread to other plants.
Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to get rid of psyllids and their lerps. You can purchase insecticidal soap at most garden centers or online. Follow the instructions on the label for application and be sure to spray all parts of the plant, including the undersides of leaves.
Neem oil is another natural insecticide that can be used to get rid of psyllids and their lerps. Neem oil is derived from the neem tree and is safe for use on plants. Mix the neem oil with water according to the instructions on the label and spray all parts of the plant, including the undersides of leaves.
Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of psyllids and can help control an infestation. You can purchase these beneficial insects at most garden centers or online. Release them near your Zanzibar plant and let them do their job.
A healthy plant is less likely to attract pests like psyllids. Make sure your Zanzibar plant is getting enough sunlight, water, and nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can actually attract pests. Regularly prune the plant to remove dead or damaged leaves, as these can also attract pests.
Lerps themselves don’t usually cause significant damage to a Zanzibar plant. However, if left unchecked, psyllids can cause damage by feeding on the sap of the plant and making it difficult for it to photosynthesize properly.
Insecticides can be safe to use on your Zanzibar plant if used according to the instructions on the label. Be sure to choose a product that is labeled for use on houseplants and follow all safety precautions.
Keeping your Zanzibar plant healthy is one of the best ways to prevent pests like psyllids from infecting it. Make sure it’s getting enough sunlight, water, and nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing and regularly prune the plant to remove dead or damaged leaves. You can also introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to help control an infestation.